Dave's Hot Chicken Heats Up Global Expansion with New Franchise VP

PASADENA, Calif. – January 12, 2026 – Dave's Hot Chicken, the fast-casual brand that rocketed from a Los Angeles parking lot to global fame, is accelerating its expansion with the appointment of Joshua Liggins as its new Vice President of Franchise Development. The move is a key part of a strategic leadership shuffle under recently appointed CEO Jim Bitticks, signaling a new, aggressive phase of growth focused on international and non-traditional markets.

Liggins joins the Nashville-style hot chicken sensation from Inspire Brands, where he managed franchise development for industry giants like Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins, and Sonic. His arrival underscores a pivotal moment for Dave's Hot Chicken as it works to convert its massive pipeline of sold franchise rights into hundreds of operating restaurants worldwide.

A Billion-Dollar Brand from a $900 Bet

The story of Dave's Hot Chicken is already a modern legend in the restaurant industry. In 2017, co-founders Arman Oganesyan, Chef Dave Kopushyan, and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan pooled just $900 to launch a pop-up concept with portable fryers and a simple, craveable menu. Lines quickly wrapped around the block, fueled by social media buzz and an Eater LA feature that helped propel the brand into the mainstream.

This viral success led to a brick-and-mortar location and, in 2019, a pivotal franchising deal. The growth since has been nothing short of explosive. The company grew from just four locations to nearly 400 worldwide by early 2026, with system-wide sales skyrocketing from $616.6 million in 2024 to a projected $1.2 billion by the end of 2025. This trajectory attracted significant attention, culminating in a reported $1 billion acquisition by private equity firm Roark Capital in June 2025. The brand also boasts a roster of high-profile investors, including artists Drake and Usher, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and media personality Michael Strahan, adding to its cultural cachet.

The New Architect for Accelerated Growth

With over 1,200 franchise units in its development pipeline, managing such rapid scaling requires a seasoned expert. Liggins' experience at Inspire Brands, a multi-brand behemoth, makes him a strategic fit for navigating the complexities of hyper-growth across different markets and development models. His primary role will be to support the brand's extensive network of multi-unit franchisees in meeting their development schedules while implementing a data-driven approach to identify new real estate opportunities.

"Dave's is a home run of a brand," said Liggins in a statement. "When you hear about the unit economics, the sales-to-investment ratio, and see the level of reinvestment from existing franchisees, it gets your attention. Add in the simplicity of the menu, fast throughput, and authentic vibe, and it's clear this brand has only scratched the surface of what's possible."

His focus will be twofold: ensuring the hundreds of committed domestic locations are executed to the brand's exacting standards and strategically unlocking new growth channels. While most U.S. territories are already claimed, Liggins will be tasked with mapping out infill opportunities in high-demand trade areas to further saturate key markets.

Charting a Course for Global and Non-Traditional Dominance

The next frontier for Dave's Hot Chicken is decidedly global. Building on its established presence in Canada and the Middle East, the company is making a major push into Europe. A landmark agreement finalized in late 2025 with the UK-based Azzurri Group grants the hospitality operator exclusive rights to develop 180 restaurants across 10 European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Poland. This deal expands upon an initial 60-unit agreement for the UK and Ireland, where early locations in London, Birmingham, and Manchester have reported exceptional performance.

Beyond Europe, the brand has set its sights on Asia, identifying China, Singapore, and Malaysia as high-potential markets for entry within the next few years. Plans for expansion into India and Mexico are also underway, demonstrating a clear ambition to become a dominant global player.

Domestically, growth is shifting toward non-traditional venues. Leveraging the expertise and capital of its new owner, Roark Capital, Dave's is targeting high-traffic locations such as airports, university campuses, and entertainment complexes. A location is already operating on the Las Vegas Strip, with another planned for Harry Reid International Airport, showcasing a model that can be replicated in similar captive-audience environments across the country.

Winning the 'Hot Chicken Wars' with Tech and Vibe

As the Nashville hot chicken trend continues to sizzle, the market has become increasingly crowded. Dave's Hot Chicken is navigating this competitive landscape by focusing on operational efficiency and a powerful brand identity that resonates with a younger demographic. The company is aggressively implementing a "Dave's of the Future" tech strategy, incorporating AI-powered voice ordering at drive-thrus, self-service kiosks, and even robotics in its fry stations to enhance speed and consistency.

This commitment to technology is designed to support rapid scaling without sacrificing the quality of its simple, focused menu of tenders and sliders, offered at seven spice levels ranging from "No Spice" to the infamous "Reaper." This operational backbone, combined with its distinctive street-art aesthetic and massive social media following—boasting over 2 million Instagram and 4 million TikTok followers—creates a powerful defense against competitors.

Under the new leadership of CEO Jim Bitticks, who has been with the brand since its earliest days, the company is fortifying its executive ranks to manage its next chapter. "We continue to build a best-in-class leadership team to support Dave's rapid growth," said Bitticks. "With his deep franchising experience and disciplined approach to development, Joshua will play a critical role as we expand across traditional, non-traditional, and international channels." Liggins' appointment is a clear signal that Dave's Hot Chicken is ready to execute on its ambitious vision, transforming its viral pop-up success into a lasting, global restaurant empire.